FLEET AUTOMATION
Unlocking customer value- Sandvik AutoMine ® Surface Drilling
Sandvik’ s AutoMine ® Surface Drilling solution the OEM says is transforming open-pit operations by combining advanced automation with proven drilling technology. Designed for Sandvik i-Series surface drill rigs, AutoMine ® improves safety, reduces costs, and maximises productivity by enabling operators to manage multiple rigs remotely, either from a safe line-of-sight position or a centralised control room. At the core of these rigs is iDrill technology, a scalable automation platform that ensures precision and consistency across the entire drilling cycle, from boom positioning to hole finishing. This drives higher-quality drilling results while accelerating the production process.
To help customers fully realise the benefits of automation, Sandvik recently introduced the AutoMine ® Surface Drilling Training Simulator, developed for i-Series drill rigs. The simulator delivers an immersive, hands-on training experience that prepares operators for the realities of modern mining. By allowing trainees to practice everything from path planning to autonomous cycle management in a virtual environment, it builds competence quickly and cost-effectively without fuel consumption, equipment wear, or safety risks.
“ The AutoMine ® Surface Drilling Training Simulator bridges the gap from classroom learning to operational readiness by giving operators an immersive, hands-on environment to practice, make mistakes and refine their skills before working in a live mine,” said Anu Pyysalo, Head of Learning Solutions Automation at Sandvik Mining.“ This approach accelerates learning, builds confidence and ensures that operators are fully prepared to manage complex automated systems safely and effectively. Well-trained operators make better decisions, respond faster to challenges and operate more consistently, which translates into higher productivity, lower operating costs and safer mining operations.”
With its portability, realistic controls, and compatibility with both universal and rig-specific operator stations, the simulator enables mines worldwide to maintain consistent training standards while supporting sustainability goals through reduced emissions and equipment usage.“ By combining cutting-edge automation with a strong focus on operator readiness, Sandvik AutoMine ® Surface Drilling is helping mines unlock safer, more efficient, and more sustainable drilling operations; setting a new benchmark for the industry.”
ideal conditions to validate the system’ s performance under harsh conditions. In addition, the ABB system’ s ruggedised robotics, vision system, and flexible connector interface aim to enable seamless alignment with various truck types and connection standards, ensuring future-proof compatibility.”
Beyond Aitik, ABB is also working closely with Komatsu to align the Robot ACD with evolving fleet electrification needs. These collaborations are feeding into early technical trials and informing future development. Spudic:“ Unlike process automation, which focuses on fixed-site efficiencies, the Robot ACD contributes directly to mobile fleet productivity, making charging smarter, faster, ad more autonomous. As electric haulage fleets expand, technologies like the Robot ACD will be essential for delivering real operational gains and enabling the next generation of autonomous mining fleets.”
SHUTDOWN ZONE
OPERATOR ZONE
CAUTION ZONE
LEARN MORE
IntelliZone ® is a user-friendly proximity detection system that creates shaped, dynamic operator zones to enhance miner safety while maintaining productivity.
www. MatrixTeam. com